Urania

Pouch embossing is an option available on the 3500 and 4000 heat sealer models. The embosser utilizes a mechanical device to emboss information onto the pouch material as the pouch passes through the heat sealer.

Embossing onto the pouch material is an option for data that remains constant during operation (i.e. lot number, expiration date). The embosser cannot handle serialized or variable data. Because the embosser type is pressed against the pouch material, the placement of the message is restricted to the area above the actual heat seal. If the embosser was below the seal, the type could perforate the pouch material and compromise the pouch integrity.

Be aware that some types and colors of pouch material produce more visible emboss results than others. Foil pouches tend to produce the best results, but most materials produce acceptable results.

The embosser mechanism is comprised of four main components: A embosser frame, a rotating type wheel that holds the information to be embossed onto the pouch, a electrical clutch mechanism that prevents the type wheel from rotating when it is not needed, and a pressure roller used to provide backing to the type wheel during embossing.

The embosser frame provides a mounting base for all other components. The frame is attached to the sealer by two standoff rods located downstream from the sealer cooling bars. The frame slides down these standoffs until the embosser driven gear engages the rear sealer drive gear. A small four-pin connector on the frame provides power to the embosser clutch mechanism and plugs into a socket mounted on the sealer head.

Several configurations of rotating type wheel are available. The standard is a single-sided, single row of eighteen characters. The single-sided type wheel is acceptable if the emboss to emboss distance on two consecutive pouches is greater than eleven inches (11.000”). If the pouch width is less than five inches (two five inch pouches, plus a one inch minimum gap between them), a doubled-sided wheel, with two sets of type is recommended. A double-sided type wheel mandates use of a double acting embosser clutch for proper operation.

If more than eighteen characters of type per pouch is required, a double-row design type wheel is available. The double-row option can be combined with the double-sided design. However, the amount of replaceable embosser type must increase to provide sufficient amount of type characters for pouch data. Urania Engineering staff will be happy to consult with you to determine your embosser type needs.

To change an embosser message, the operator must first open the sealing head cover. Then, they may lift the entire embosser mechanism out of the sealer. The rotating type wheel features a quick-release fastener to allow easy removal of the type wheel. Once removed from the embosser unit, the operator can rotate open an access shutter on the type wheel. The shutter retains the characters in the type wheel. Once the type has been changed to the new message, the operator closes the shutter and replaces the type wheel. The embosser then drops back into position, and the operator closes the sealer cover to resume operation. As an option, the customer may purchase a second type wheel and have the next set of embosser type ready for a very quick changeover.

The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) in the sealer control panel operates the embosser clutch. The PLC detects the presence of the pouch with the same optical sensor used to count the number of pouches passing through the sealer. Once the leading edge of the pouch is detected, the PLC runs an adjustable timer to delay the activation of the embosser clutch. The emboss position on the pouch can be adjusted by changing the amount of delay time. The offset is in inches from the leading edge of the pouch, and the PLC automatically converts the distance to time, based on the actual speed of the sealer. The position of the emboss can be adjusted from zero inches from the leading edge of the pouch (0.000”) to a maximum of thirty-six inches (36.000”). The actual positioning of the emboss is accurate to within one-eighth of an inch (+/- 0.125”).

When the pouch is in correct position for embossing, the PLC sends a 24VDC signal to the embosser clutch to activate the clutch release solenoid. The solenoid releases the clutch, allowing the type wheel to turn at sealer speed. The emboss wheel rolls the type against the pouch material, creating the emboss on the pouch.

The final component of the embosser is the pressure roller. This roller is covered with a durable polyurethane material, and is allowed to freewheel on a set of ball bearings. As the pouch enters the embosser, it is sandwiched between the pressure roller and the type wheel. A small gap between the pressure roller and type wheel allow the pouch to pass between the two parts. The type characters extend out from the type wheel and press the pouch against the pressure roller. The polyurethane covering allows the type to properly emboss the message onto the pouch material.